Drop In Productivity Paints 'Mixed Picture'

The wire service says the report suggests "companies may need to hire more to keep pace with demand." So, the bad news that productivity was down at a 0.9 percent annual rate in the first quarter is potentially good news for those who are out of work.

Bloomberg News, though, says the report signals that "companies may pause before bringing on new employees." They'll push existing workers to produce more until they're convinced demand for goods and services is on the rise.